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Jeff Ostrowski

Writer and Housing Market Analyst
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing
  • Mortgage rate trends
  • Housing market
  • Real estate
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Master of Arts, University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Continuing coursework, including NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator education and MLO SAFE Test

About the author
Jeff Ostrowski has closely covered two nationwide housing booms and one devastating bust. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he spent more than 20 years writing about real estate, business, the economy and politics. He previously worked as a reporter at the Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Business Journal.

Since 2019, Jeff has served on the board of the nonprofit National Association of Real Estate Editors. He twice has won gold awards in the group’s journalism contest. His Bankrate coverage of housing affordability was also honored with a Best in Business award from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.

When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys surfing, biking and traveling, usually with a surfboard or bike.
Jeff is the author of How to Buy a Home in a Miserable Market, available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.

Jeff beyond Bankrate

CNN interviews Jeff Ostrowski about hottest and coldest housing market

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Schwab Network interviews Jeff Ostrowski about mortgage rates

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New York Times interviews Jeff Ostrowski about housing supply

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Washington Post cites Jeff Ostrowski about mortgage rates

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Jeff wants you to know
When you’re applying for a mortgage, shop around and do your homework — informed borrowers can save thousands of dollars over the life of their loan. Don’t fixate on finding the absolute perfect option, though, or timing your loan to a low point for mortgage rates. If you’re borrowing now, mortgage rates could go down in the future. Avoid worrying about all those things that are both out of your control and impossible to predict.

Jeff's latest articles

  • Compare VA refinance rates today

    Compare VA refinance rates. Most active-duty military and veterans qualify for VA refinances. Compare rates today and lock in your rate.

    6 min read Sep 09, 2025
  • Mortgage Rate Variability Index

    Our Mortgage Rate Variability Index measures how dramatically mortgage rates have changed over time. Learn more about how to make sense of the mortgage market.

    3 min read Sep 08, 2025
  • Compare Current 15-Year Mortgage Rates

    Compare 15-year mortgage rates and find your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest 15-year mortgage rates.

    9 min read Sep 06, 2025
  • First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders Review 2025

    Formerly affiliated with BNC National Bank, the First Federal Bank Mortgage Lenders team specializes in VA loans, but can help you obtain a conventional, FHA or USDA mortgage as well.

    4 min read Sep 06, 2025
  • Reliant Home Funding Mortgage Review 2025

    Reliant Home Funding is a Long Island, New York-based mortgage lender available in more than 20 states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

    4 min read Sep 06, 2025